Wireless event authentication system

ABSTRACT

A wireless data acquisition and recording (DAR) system includes acquisition circuitry including a video camera and/or a microphone carried by an operator for capturing video and audio events viewed and/or heard by the operator. A wireless transmitter wirelessly transmits digital signals containing the video events captured by the video camera and the audio events detected by the microphone. A data display and report submission (DD) device receives the wirelessly transmitted digital data captured by the acquisition circuitry and stores the data as media files.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/111,300, filed Apr. 20, 2005, and claims priority from U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/646,712, filed Jan. 24, 2005.

This invention relates generally to audio and video recording equipmentand more particularly to a wireless portable video and audio recordingsystem that automatically tracks and records objects and events viewedby an operator.

There is a need to record police investigations and incidences,insurance claim investigations, medical emergencies, and otherday-to-day events that may occur during work or other activities. Forexample, it may be desirable for a police officer to record events aftera car is pulled over or record events while searching a building forcriminal activity. These recorded events can then be used as evidence infuture litigation or procedural matters.

For example, the recorded real-time arrest of a criminal suspect can beused as evidence at trial that the suspect was properly read theirMiranda rights. In the insurance investigation example, an insurancecompany representative can record observations while investigating theextent of property damage at the site of an insurance claim.

The problem with recording events is that it requires the policeofficer, insurance adjuster, or other operator, to operate the recordingequipment in additional to performing their regular duties. For example,it would be difficult for a police officer to operate a video camerawhile at the same time frisking a criminal suspect. In the insuranceinvestigation example, is would be difficult for the insurance adjusterto operate a video camera and write down notes at the same time.

Portable video and audio recording systems have been suggested in thepast that attach a camera to the head of an operator and then strapother recording equipment and power supplies onto the operator. Theproblem with these systems is that they require a substantial amount ofwiring for connecting together the camera, video and audio recordingequipment, and portable power supply. These systems make it awkward forthe operator to freely move around during their normal job tasks.

There are also no systems currently available for efficiently storing,transporting, and managing the large amount of recorded information thatmay be generated during one or more recorded events. For example, thereare no systems that efficiently track and organize the recorded videoand audio information. Authentication and security is also a problem.For example, in some applications, the recorded material may not beuseful unless the time and location of the recording is authenticated,and means for preventing unauthorized use may be needed in someapplications.

The present invention addresses this and other problems associated withthe prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A wireless data acquisition and recording (DAR) system includesacquisition circuitry including a video camera and/or a microphonecarried by an operator for capturing video and audio events viewedand/or heard by the operator. A wireless transmitter wirelesslytransmits digital signals containing the video events captured by thevideo camera and the audio events detected by the microphone. A datadisplay and report submission (DD) device receives the wirelesslytransmitted digital data captured by the acquisition circuitry andstores the data as media files.

The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of theinvention will become more readily apparent from the following detaileddescription of a preferred embodiment of the invention which proceedswith reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a wireless data acquisition and recording (DAR) system.

FIG. 2 shows the DAR system used during an arrest.

FIG. 3 shows a base station and central computer used in conjunctionwith the DAR system.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of acquisition circuitry used in the DARsystem.

FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of a data display and report submission(DD) device used in the DAR system.

FIG. 6 shows a report form attached to a media file in the DD device.

FIG. 7 shows an alternative embodiment of the DAR system thatincorporates the camera and microphone into a Personal Digital Assistant(PDA).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A wireless data acquisition and recording (DAR) system takes advantageof newly-developed wireless transmission systems, originally intendedfor wireless web communications, to send data from miniature sensors(MS) to a miniaturized personal computer (MPC) equipment. The DAR systemallows simultaneous storage of captured video and audio signals and alsoallows the entry of an operator report related to the recorded data.This greatly simplifies operator tasks and saves time.

The DAR system can also record the date and time of operator recordingsthus reducing the possibility of falsifying the date, time, and sequenceof recorded events. Passwords and the authentication keys can also beused to improve the security and integrity of the recorded data.

The DAR system can also transmit data real-time to a specialized relaystation for re-transmission to a central head quarters (HQ). This allowssupport personnel at the HQ to provide near real-time support to theoperator. The relay station can also automatically down-load recordeddata from the operator's miniaturized personal computer, freeing upmemory for recording new events while at the same time preserving thepreviously recorded data.

FIG. 1 shows the wireless data acquisition and recording (DAR) system 12carried by an operator 14. The DSR system 12 includes acquisitioncircuitry 13 that wirelessly sends captured video and audio data to adata display and report submission (DD) device 26. The acquisitioncircuitry 13 includes a miniaturized video camera 18 that containsautomatic exposure capability, as well as a digital output. A lens 19 inthe camera 18 can be chosen according to the operator requirements.However, typically a wide-angle lens 19 is provided for general purposeuse. A miniaturized microphone 20 contains automatic volume controlcapability and has a digital output. The miniaturized video camera 18and microphone 20 can come with (or without) an Motion Picture ExpertsGroup (MPEG) encoder, but is equipped with a transmitter/receiver(transceiver), allowing wireless remote operation. The acquisitioncircuitry 13 is self-powered, typically by means of a battery (notshown).

An audio output from microphone 20 along with a video output from thevideo camera 18 are both digitized and wirelessly transmitted to the DDdevice 26. In this example the DD device is carried in a pocket 28 ofthe operator, but can be carried anywhere on the operator that isconvenient. The DD device 26 in one embodiment is a commerciallyavailable miniaturized computer unit, that can be custom-configured tooperator requirements. For example, the DD device 26 may be a slightlycustomized Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) or a Pocket PC.

Images and audio signals wirelessly received by DD device 26 aredigitally stored into a memory device, such as a Flash memory. Removablememory storage devices, such as Flash memory sticks, can be used andreplaced when a currently installed memory stick becomes full. The DDdevice 26 typically operates using alkaline batteries or a rechargeablebattery.

A switch 30 on the DD device 28 can be used to manually activate the DARsystem 12. Alternatively, the DAR system 12 can be voice or soundactivated when the operator 14 utters a key word that then triggers avoice recognition system or makes some type of noise that activates asound activation system in the DD device 26. The DD device 28 afterdetecting the manual or audio activation signal then sends a wirelessactivation signal activating acquisition circuitry 13. The activationsystem can also be located in the acquisition circuitry 13.

In the implementation shown in FIG. 1, the acquisition circuitry 13 isattached to a hat 16 so that the video camera 18 captures images withinthe viewing range of the operator 14. For example, when operator 14turns his head, video camera 18 moves in the same directionautomatically recording events within the viewing direction of theoperator 14. In addition, because the acquisition circuitry 13 is alsolocated on hat 16 near the ear of operator 14, sounds audible to theoperator 14 are also recorded by the microphone 20. Therefore, ifoperator 14 moves closer to hear sounds, such as bending over to hearsomeone whispering, microphone 20 is also moved closer to the source ofthe sound, thus, increasing the chances of clearly recording the sameaudio signals heard by the operator. The acquisition circuitry 13 can beattached equally as well to a helmet, headband, or any alternateheadgear.

An activation indicator (not shown), such as a light emitting diode(LED) may be illuminated on the acquisition circuitry 13 when the DARsystem 12 is activated. The LED can be used to inform people that theyare presently being video and audio recorded. The LED can also be usedwith a separately controllable switch to illuminate in differentsituations. Depending on the application, it may be advantageous tonotify someone that their actions and utterances are being recorded. Forexample, if the DAR system 12 is being used by police officers, thesuspect may require notification before being recorded. Activating theLED provides notification to a suspect that the recording is takingplace.

The wireless signal transmission between the acquisition circuitry 13and the DD device 26 provides the operator 14 with increased freedom ofmotion. For example, the operator 14 can move their head at any angleand not disrupt the capture and downloading of image and audio data fromthe acquisition circuitry 13 to the DD device 26. The wireless DARsystem 12 also allows the operator 14 to perform any normal activitysuch as lifting, sitting, or running without disrupting the capture andstoring operations.

The various components of the DAR system 12 can easily attach and detachonto other pieces of the operators clothing. For example, the videocamera 18 and microphone 20 can attach to a jacket or to epaulets of ajacket or shirt with VELCRO or alternative attachment means such asstraps or clips. The DD device 26 can also alternatively be attached ona belt or carried in another pocket of the operator 14.

FIG. 2 shows the DAR system 12 of FIG. 1 carried by a police officer orsecurity guard 14. In this example, the DD device 26 is attached to thebelt 32 of operator 14. The police officer 14 activates the DAR system12 while on patrol, thereby, automatically recording anyone that comesinto video sensing area 34. The camera 18 has a wide angle lens 19(FIG. 1) that detects most if not all of a suspect 36. For example, thepolice officer 14 may activate the DAR system 12 to record eventssurrounding a routine vehicle stop of a suspected drunk driver.

Since the camera 18 is directed out the front of the operator's hat 16,the video camera 18 automatically tracks suspect 36 while beingconfronted by police officer 14. For example, suspect 36 may move toeither side of police officer 14. To maintain visual contact, policeofficer 14 naturally moves his head in the direction of the suspect 36.Accordingly, the camera 18 tracks the head movements of police officer14 maintaining a constant surveillance on suspect 36. Thus, the DARsystem 12 records the activities of suspect 36 while the hands ofofficer 14 are free to perform other tasks, such as drawing a gun.

If wearing a hat or helmet is undesirable, the acquisition circuitry 13can alternatively be worn on a shoulder, lapel, or elsewhere, such as onan object separate from the operator 14. In any case, the acquisitioncircuitry 13 is typically mounted vertically, to both keep the videohorizon proper and also to provide the proper antenna orientation.

The DD device 26 can be worn in a shirt pocket 28 or in a pant pocket ofoperator 14, but can also be worn in any other convenient place on theoperator 14 such as in a vest or other carrying device. As long as theoperator 14 remains close, the DD device 26 can be placed on an objectthat is detached from the operator 14. For best range of reception, theDD device 26 should also be vertically arranged.

Since the components in the DAR system 12 are light weight andcommunicate wirelessly, they can be distributed anywhere on the policeofficer 14 and can be carried for an entire shift without significantfatigue. Also, because the separate components of the DAR system 12 canbe attached on the belt 32 or on the front of jacket, the police officer14 can drive a squad car while the DAR system 12 is still attached andoperating. Operators, such as emergency medical personnel, can alsocontinuously operate the DAR system 12 even while sitting in anemergency vehicle.

The wireless DAR system 12 has other advantages over other wired videosystems. For example, if a wired video recording system were installedon a police officer, the wires connecting the camera to the recordercould be used by a criminal to possibly strangle the operator. Since theDAR system 12 does not require wires, the system is safer for certainapplications such as for police work.

Of course the DAR system 12 can be used for any number of otherapplications. For example, the DAR system 12 can be worn by insuranceadjusters that need to record a home or car accident. In anotherapplication, the DAR system 12 can be worn by emergency medicalpersonnel who need to record emergency care events to confirm propermedical procedures are taken. A critically ill patient can be recordedby the DAR system 12 and then transmitted back to a hospital. A medicaldoctor at the hospital can then relay medical advice back to theoperator 14 on DD device 26.

Relaying Content

Referring to FIG. 3, the DAR system 12 may send information to otherdata recording stations for further analysis and storage. For example,the video and/or audio data captured by the acquisition circuitry 13 andstored in the DD device 26 may be wirelessly relayed to a base stationor relay station 44 that in this example is located in an operatorvehicle 42. The operator 14 might typically work within relatively closeproximity to vehicle 42 or come within close proximity of car 42periodically during a typical work shift. This allows the DD device 26to wireless download video and audio information 40 to the base station44. Access to a large power supply, such as a car battery, allows thebase station 44 to operate as a repeater or transmitter/receiver forrelaying the video and audio information 40 to a central computer 52 ata headquarter location 56.

In addition, the DD device 26 may be preprogrammed to download storedinformation to base station 44 whenever it is within wirelesstransmission range. This prevents the DD device 26 from being overloadedwith data and allows the base station 44 to automatically save all ofthe audio and video information obtained by DAR system 12. Different DARsystems 12 coming within wireless transmission range of base station 44may all automatically download stored information. The base station 44can also include a docketing station that the DD device 26 seats intofor battery recharging and data downloading when the operator 14 isdriving vehicle 42.

The central computer 52 operating at headquarters location 56 isequipped with a receiver and transmitter that receive the relayed videoand audio signals 40 from base station 44 or receive video and audiosignals 40 directly from the DD device 26. Headquarters 56 can be anyoffice or home location of the operator 14 including a policeheadquarters, insurance building, hospital, home, etc. The centralcomputer 52 can serve as a repository for all the information capturedby one or more DAR systems 12.

In one example, when vehicle 42 parks in a garage or parking lot atheadquarters 56, the base station 44 may automatically download anyinformation previously received from DAR systems 12. All content foreach DAR system 12 may have an associated identifier. For example, anemployee number of operator 14, a report identification number, date andtime stamp, etc. The information 40 received by central computer 52 maythen be stored and indexed according to this associated identifier. Thissame indexing may also happen in the base station 44 and in the DDdevice 26.

The central computer 52 can also offer information back to the operator14 in near real time. For example, the face of malfeasance 36 may becaptured by the acquisition circuitry 13 along with audio informationidentifying a name, drivers license, social security number, etc. The DDdevice 26 can then relay the captured facial image and audio informationto base station 44 for relaying back to the central computer 52. Thecentral computer 52 may then conduct a background check to confirm theidentify and criminal record of suspect 36 by comparing the face in thereceived video data 40 with drivers license photos, correctionalinstitution photos, etc. that may be contained in a central computerdatabase.

Acquisition Circuitry

FIG. 4 shows the acquisition circuitry 13 in more detail. The camera 18and microphone 20 are each optionally coupled to a transmitter/receiver(transceiver) 82 through an MPEG encoder 80. The encoder 80 may alsohave scrambling circuitry to thwart unauthorized reception/users. Thetransceiver is connected to an antenna 84. The software and hardware inoptional MPEG encoder 80 is an industry-standard video/audio compressionsystem that compresses the audio and video data captured by camera 18and microphone 20, respectively. The choice of which MPEG standard touse is determined by requirements of the operator 14 and the particularapplication. Optionally, block 80 can include memory to record the videoand audio, if it is desired to have redundant storage of the data.

Some DAR systems 12 may have the MPEG data compression occur in the DDdevice 26. An uncompressed data stream from acquisition circuitry 13 maytake longer to wirelessly transmit to the DD device 26. However, theremay be more flexibility in choosing what degree and kind of compressionto use when the compression is performed in DD device 26.

The transceiver 82 receives and transmits video and audio data and inaddition senses which frequency to utilize when there are potentialinterfering signals. In one implementation, the transceiver operatesaccording to IEEE Standard 802.11b. The presently favored band is 2.4Megahertz, since that is one of the standard bands for this class ofuse, and has reduced interference problems. The audio and/or videosignals are transmitted and received through a built-in antenna 84.Other types of wireless communication systems can alternatively be usedthat include Infra-Red (IR), Radio Frequency (RF), ultrasound, etc.

Data Display and Report Submission (DD)

FIG. 5 shows the DD device 26 in more detail. In one implementation, theDD device 26 is a slightly customized Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)or a Pocket PC. However, any type of miniature computing device can beused. A built-in antenna 104 is coupled to a transceiver 96. The antenna104 and transceiver 96 are compatible with the antenna 84 andtransceiver 82 in the acquisition circuitry 13 and in one embodimentalso implement the IEEE Standard 802.11b protocol.

The DD device 26 wirelessly receives data from the acquisition circuitry13 via transceiver 96. The data is passed to the computer 94 forprocessing. Depending on whether the received data is compressed or notcompressed prior to reception, the DD device 26 commands furthercompression, no compression, or first-time compression, depending on theneeds of the operator 14. The computer 94 then performs differentoperations required to prepare the data for storage and possiblyretransmission or downloading to the base station 44 or central computer52 shown in FIG. 3. An MPEG encoder 86 may be used by the computer 94 toencode the data received from acquisition circuitry 13, if not alreadyencoded by acquisition circuitry 13.

Date and time encoding operation 88 includes a clock that supplies thecomputer 94 with a date/time stamp that can be attached to the datareceived from the acquisition circuitry 13. Date and time encoding 88may or may not be provided, and in addition, a special authenticationkey may be added to the video and audio data by encoder 88 which isdescribed in more detail below.

An interface 98 allows the operator to choose the mode of operation,including the choices of when and what kind of video/audio recording,how to enter reports, and how to access previously recorded data.Depending upon operator needs, the interface 98 may be a keyboard or atouch-sensitive screen.

The memory storage 16 can be any one of a number of commerciallyavailable memory system that may include Flash memory, memory sticks, orother means to provide convenient non-volatile storage of data. In oneembodiment, the memory storage device 90 is removable from the DD device26. This allows the operator 14 to capture one set of events, replacethe memory storage device 90 in a repository, and insert a new memorystorage device 90 to capture another set of events. The operator 14 mayalso carry spare memory devices 90 in case a long recorded event fillsthe capacity of one memory storage device 90.

The display 92 allows the operator 18 to monitor what is being recordedin real time or later play back events previously stored in the memorystorage 90. The MPEG software 102 allows the computer 94 to decode theMPEG data stream for outputting to display 92. The display 92 can alsobe used for receiving video or other text information back from thecentral computer 52 or back from the base station 44 (FIG. 3). Forexample, the central computer 52 may send back the results of abackground search based on information previous transmitted to thecentral computer 52 from the DD device 26.

Reporting software 100 is customized to the needs of the operator. Forexample, there may be a particular format that is required for reportsfiled in a police department, insurance company, hospital, etc. Apre-stored form can be selected and displayed and then filled out by theoperator 14.

Referring to FIG. 6, a first screen 104 on display 92 may pop upwhenever audio or video events have been captured. The first screen 104shows a form 108 that has fields for identifying a user ID, reportnumber, time, date, comments and a video or audio duration. The time,date and duration fields may automatically be filled in by the data andtime encoder 88 in FIG. 5 and might not be available for modifying bythe operator. The computer 94 links the media file 110 generated fromthe audio and video data received from the acquisition circuitry 13 withthe report form 108 provided by reporting software 100 (FIG. 5). Forexample, the computer 94 attaches a form 108 to every new media file 110received from the acquisition circuitry 13. The audio and video data 110is then indexed by computer 94 using the attached report 108.

For example, the operator 14 may request via interface 98 (FIG. 5) alist of all media files captured and saved in memory 90. The computer 94displays a screen 106 listing all of the stored media files 112. Themedia files 112 may be listed according to any of the fields inassociated forms 108. For example, according to report number. The mediafiles listed in screen 106 can also display comments 114 added byoperator 14 or display a sample image 116 extracted from the media file110 to further assist the operator 14 in locating the desired recordedevents.

If portions of the displayed form 108 are not filled in, the operator 14may be prevented from downloading the associated media file 110 to thecentral computer 52 at headquarters 56 (FIG. 3). For example, every file110 may require the operator 14 to enter at least a report number.Correspondingly, the central computer 52 may use the report number, userID number, date, time, etc. contained in the form 108 to electronicallyfile the media data 110 received from base station 44 or from DD device26.

The media files 110 and any associated reports 108 are generated andstored in an acceptable format used in the operator's job. For example,in police applications, report 108 may first prompt the operator 18 toenter certain information associated with a police investigation. Forexample, case number, suspect name, driver's license, etc. The mediafiles 110 that are associated with the computer generated report 108 mayalso be automatically named, for example, with a case number and storedin the same directory as the police report. Alternative softwareprograms 100 can be provided for other operator applications. Forexample, other automated report generation software 100 may becustomized for insurance adjusters or medical applications.

Authentication

Another software program operated by computer 94 (FIG. 5) can selfauthenticate the media files 110 that are stored in memory 90. Forexample, a digital identification tag may be automatically inserted intothe media data 110 by the MPEG encoder 80 in acquisition circuitry 13 orby the computer 94 in DD device 26 to authenticate the media file 110 isactually generated by the DAR system 12. A device specific digitalidentification tag may also include the time and date generated by dataand time encoder 88.

The audio or video signal captured in acquisition circuit 13 can bestored on multiple channels. Alternately, one of these channels can beused to insert a series of markers into the media file 110authenticating the recorded events were originally recorded in the DARsystem 12. Similarly, the time and date generated by the data and timeencoder 88 may be recorded directly onto the video to verify the time ofthe recorded event. To ensure that the time and date encoder 88 in theDD device 26 is not tampered with, an internal password may be requiredto be entered via interface 98 in order to modify the clock settingsprovided by data and time encoder 88.

In another application, a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver 89may be located in the DD device 26 that periodically updates the dataand time encoder 88 and may also obtain geographical location from a GPSsatellite. The GPS date, time, and/or location information can then beinserted into the audio data for authentication of the captured images.The DD device 26 may also optionally automatically activate display 92'sloudspeaker and generate an audio prompt that asks the operator toconfirm a time and date. The operators voice is then recorded and storedon the media file 110. This audio prompt can come on periodically or canautomatically prompt the operator for the time and date each time thebatteries in the DD device 26 are replaced or when the data in the DDdevice 26 is downloaded.

In another authentication process, the audio and video data captured bythe authentication circuitry 13 may be wirelessly relayed to the vehicle42 shown in FIG. 3. The date and time stamp generated by encoder 88 maybe attached on to the media file 110 by the DD device 26. The basestation 44 or central computer 52 may then add another date and timestamp onto the same data 110 for further authentication.

In yet another authentication technique, a docking station may beprovided at head quarters 56 or in the vehicle 42 that is used torecharge batteries in the DD device 26 and/or download the media files110 from memory storage 90. The docketing system can also be used toverify any clock settings in the data and time encoder 88 in the DDdevice 26.

FIG. 7 shows an alternative embodiment of an integrated DAR system 120where a microphone 20 and video camera 18 are integrated together withthe data display and report submission (DD) device 26. In this example,the integrated DAR system 126 may be a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA).In this embodiment, all the same functions described above in FIGS. 1-6for the DAR system 12 are still performed. However, the acquisitioncircuitry 13 previously described in FIGS. 1-4 is now integrated intoand with the DD device 26.

The miniaturized video camera 18 and the miniaturized microphone 20 bothextend from the front of the PDA 121. The integrated DAR system 120 iscarried on a strap 122 that wraps around the neck of operator 14.Alternatively, the PDA 121 operating the integrated DAR system 120 maybe carried in the hand of the operator 14 or in a pocket of the operatorthat has a plastic see-through front face. In this embodiment, thepocket may also include small holes that promote sound waves to bedetected by microphone 20.

The integrated DAR system 120 includes the same receiver and transmitter96 and antenna 104 that allow wireless communication to a base station44 (FIG. 3) or to a central computer 52. The video and audio signalscaptured by the integrated DAR system 120 can also be encrypted forstorage and wireless encrypted transmission 40 (FIG. 3) to the basestation 44 or central computer 52 as also described above. Theintegrated DAR system 120 also provides the same authenticationoperations described in FIGS. 1-6. Integrating the video camera 18 andmicrophone 20 with the DD device 26 prevents having to wireless transmitvideo and audio signals from the video camera 18 and microphone 20 tothe DD device 26.

The system described above can use dedicated processor systems, microcontrollers, programmable logic devices, or microprocessors that performsome or all of the operations. Some of the operations described abovemay be implemented in software and other operations may be implementedin hardware.

For the sake of convenience, the operations are described as variousinterconnected functional blocks or distinct software modules. This isnot necessary, however, and there may be cases where these functionalblocks or modules are equivalently aggregated into a single logicdevice, program or operation with unclear boundaries. In any event, thefunctional blocks and software modules or features of the flexibleinterface can be implemented by themselves, or in combination with otheroperations in either hardware or software.

Having described and illustrated the principles of the invention in apreferred embodiment thereof, it should be apparent that the inventionmay be modified in arrangement and detail without departing from suchprinciples.

1. A wireless data acquisition and recording (DAR) system, comprising: acquisition circuitry including a video camera and/or a microphone carried by an operator for capturing video and audio events viewed and/or heard by the operator; a data display and report submission (DD) device for receiving the video and audio events captured by the acquisition circuitry and storing the captured video and audio events as digital media files; and a transceiver for automatically relaying the media files received from the DD device to a base station.
 2. The wireless data acquisition and recording (DAR) system according to claim 1 wherein the base station automatically relays the media files to a central computer.
 3. The DAR system according to claim 1 wherein the DD device includes: receiver circuitry for wirelessly receiving digital information back from the base station or the central computer in response to previously transmitted media files; and a display for displaying the digital data wirelessly received from the acquisition circuitry or the digital information wirelessly received back from the central computer or the base station.
 4. The DAR system according to claim 1 wherein the acquisition circuitry and the DD device are both integrated into a same Personal Digital Assistant (PDA).
 5. The DAR system according to claim 1 wherein the DD device includes a processor for operating reporting software that attaches an electronic report to different stored media files.
 6. The DAR system according to claim 3 wherein the electronic report is an investigation report that indexes the media files with different files.
 7. The DAR system according to claim 1 wherein the DD device includes a date and time encoder for attaching a date and time stamp to the different media files captured and transmitted by the acquisition circuitry.
 8. The DAR system according to claim 7 wherein the base station that also attaches a date and time stamp to the media files received from the DD device.
 9. The DAR system according to claim 1 wherein the DD device inserts an encryption key into the media files that verifies that the media files were generated by the DAR system.
 10. The DAR system according to claim 1 wherein the acquisition circuitry or DD device includes an encoder/decoder for encoding or decoding the audio and video signals for the captured events.
 11. The DAR system according to claim 1 wherein the acquisition circuitry is located on the front face of the DD device.
 12. A method for recording and storing events, comprising: locating a video camera on an operator for capturing images of events observed by the operator and converting the captured images into digital data; storing the digital data for the captured images as media files in a wireless portable storage device; and attaching electronic reports to the stored media files for the different captured images.
 13. The method according to claim 12 including compressing the digital data received from the video camera and transmitting the compressed data to a base station.
 14. The method according to claim 12 including: displaying the electronic reports on the portable storage device; requiring the operator to fill in entries in the electronic reports before allowing the associated digital data to be transmitted to a central computer; transmitting the reports and the associated digital data to a central computer; and using the entries in the reports to index associated digital data in the central computer and in the portable storage device.
 15. The method according to claim 12 including using a short range IEEE 802.11 wireless communication system for transmitting the digital data from the portable storage device or to a base station and using a long range radio or cellular communication system for transmitting the digital data from the base station to the central computer.
 16. The method according to claim 12 including: automatically downloading media files from the portable storage device to a base station located in a vehicle whenever the portable storage device comes within communication range of the base station; and relaying the media files from the base station to a central computer.
 17. The method according to claim 16 including receiving information at the base station back from the central computer in response to the relayed media files and then forwarding the received information to the portable storage device.
 18. The method according to claim 17 including: capturing a video image with the video camera; capturing audio signals identifying the video image; transmitting the captured video image and captured audio signals from the portable storage device to the central computer; using the captured video image or captured audio signals to search a data base in the central computer; and transmitting results of the search to the portable storage device.
 19. The method according to claim 12 including attaching a time and date stamp to the media files identifying when the images were captured and restricting access to controls for adjusting a timer that generates the time and date stamp.
 20. The method according to claim 19 including automatically updating the timer and location from a global positioning system.
 21. The method according to claim 19 including attaching an encryption key to the images authenticating the media files as originating from the video camera.
 22. The method according to claim 19 including scrambling the digital data before it is transmitted from the wireless portable storage device. 